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Established in 2001, Michael Lewin Solicitors has steadily grown from a local Leeds solicitors to a large nationwide practice from its office in North Leeds, Yorkshire. When our Founder, Michael Lewin, first started the law firm, he created it to provide the best legal service and the very best in client care...

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome occurs when a new-born baby aspirates, or breathes in, meconium fluid whilst in the foetus or shortly after birth.

Meconium is a dark green, sterile faecal material produced in the baby’s intestine. Meconium is passed under normal circumstances after birth when the new-born starts to feed; however, several stress factors, such as a shortage of oxygen, can encourage the passing of meconium directly into the amniotic fluid.

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What is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome occurs when a new-born baby aspirates, or breathes in, meconium fluid whilst in the foetus or shortly after birth.

Meconium is a dark green, sterile faecal material produced in the baby’s intestine. Meconium is passed under normal circumstances after birth when the new-born starts to feed; however, several stress factors, such as a shortage of oxygen, can encourage the passing of meconium directly into the amniotic fluid.

If the meconium stained fluid become aspirated it may block the new-born’s airways and cause respiratory distress.

Symptoms And Diagnosis Of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?

The primary symptoms of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome are:

Difficulty breathing (noisy, forceful or rapid breathing, grunting) or no breathing at all;

Bluish skin (cyanosis);

Low blood pressure

New-borns affected by Meconium Aspiration Syndrome show symptoms of respiratory distress, such as noisy or rapid breathing. Respiratory distress can lead to cyanosis (bluish skin) due to a reduction in oxygen levels (hypoxemia). With severe hypoxemia, the heart rate will fall and there may be a subsequent reduction in blood pressure.

A diagnosis of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome can be made prior to and after birth. Prior to birth, the foetal monitor may show a slow heart rate. Following birth, there may be visual evidence of meconium in the amniotic fluid on the new-born. In addition, the new-born may appear limp or have a low APGAR score.

What Are The Causes?

Foetal distress can lead to intestinal contractions and relax the anal sphincter, allowing the meconium to pass into the amniotic fluid. The meconium tainted amniotic fluid may then be aspirated by the new-born whilst in the foetus or directly after birth.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome results in roughly 5 percent of cases where the meconium is passed into the amniotic fluid.

There are also several maternal risk factors, including:

Preeclampsia;

Maternal hypertension;

Maternal infections; and

Maternal drug use (especially tobacco and cocaine)

Treatment

The appropriate level of treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms.

If the new-born is active and crying, it is possible that no treatment will be required. If the new-born is not active and crying, a tube may be inserted and suction will be used to remove the meconium from the new-born’s airway.

If the new-born is not breathing or has a low heart rate, an oxygen mask may be used to assist breathing and the new-born may be placed in intensive care unit for monitoring. Close monitoring is essential because a new-borns condition can deteriorate quickly.

Prognosis

Fortunately, the majority of babies that suffer from mild meconium aspiration syndrome do not suffer any long-term effects and respiratory distress usually subsides within 2-4 days. Ongoing lung damage is rare, although not unheard of.

In cases where oxygen deprivation has been severe, long term neurological damage and even death can occur. It is therefore imperative that an early diagnosis is made so that the healthcare team can carry out the appropriate form of treatment without delay.

Why Choose Michael Lewin Solicitors?

If you or a family member have been injured as a result of poor medical treatment or advice the next important stage is finding a Solicitor who understands you and what you have been through as well as a good solicitor who understands the complex area of law surrounding medical negligence.

Here at Michael Lewin Solicitors we pride ourselves on the high level of expertise and exceptional service we provide to all of our clients.

We make all of our clients the following 5 promises:

Free Initial Advice – Our dedicated team are there to help you and answer any questions you may have. We always offer a free, no obligation initial advice to anyone who considers that they may have been affected by medical negligence. So if you’re not sure whether you have a claim or not, call us and let us talk you through it.

Exceptional Client Care – OUR CLIENTS COME FIRST. This is the ethos our dedicated team of medical negligence lawyers work by. We understand that our clients have been through a difficult and traumatic time and we pride ourselves on aiming to make the claims process as easy as possible. We treat all of our clients with the utmost dignity, respect and compassion, we ensure that we are approachable and available to speak to when our client needs us.

We are Specialists – The specialist medical negligence team have years of experience handling medical negligence claims and are supported by external independent medical and nursing professionals and expert counsel. We aim to ensure that your claim is investigated thoroughly and properly and that no stone is left unturned.

We mean Business – We are persistent and determined and are not afraid to take on large establishments. If the evidence is in your favour we will not rest until you have the justice and compensation that you deserve.

We strive to be the best – We are proud of the fact that the majority of cases we pursue are successful and this is due to our hard work, determination and specialist knowledge in this area of law. As a team, we continuously want to improve and extend our knowledge to make sure that:- our clients are satisfied; that we are up to date with changes in this area of law; and that we are the best that we can be.

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